A third round pick out of Maryland State College in the 1969 N.F.L. draft by the Denver Broncos, Thompson played his entire 13 year career with Denver. As a rookie in 1969, Thompson
became the only player in N.F.L. history to lead the league in both kickoffs and punt
returns in the same season. Thompson was a three-time
Pro Bowl selection (1977, '78 & '81).